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NHS issues urgent health alert for people born in these years

Millions of people across the UK are being urged to check if they qualify

[Young asian woman having a headache while holding and reading medical instructions on a pills bottle, sitting at a table with healthy food, dumbbells, and a laptop in her modern apartment]

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The NHS has launched a major campaign(Image: CHARTCHAI KANTHATHAN via Getty Images)

Millions of UK residents are being urged to check whether they qualify for a potentially life-saving NHS vaccine after a series of deadly outbreaks.

The NHS has launched a major campaign urging young people born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008, to book a free meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination. The one-off programme also covers under-25s starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn, as health officials race to boost protection before the new academic year begins.

The warning comes after several outbreaks of MenB earlier this year that claimed the lives of three young people and left more than 20 others infected, prompting the Government to roll out an emergency vaccination campaign.

In a post on X, NHS England said: "MenB can cause meningitis and septicaemia. You may be eligible if you're: 17 to 18 years old and born between September 1 2007 and August 31 2008, or under 25 and starting university or residential further education for the first time."

[Shocked woman receiving bad news from doctor while sitting on sofa at hospital]

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Those eligible can book online if they are aged 17 or 18(Image: Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images)

It urged those eligible to book an appointment as soon as possible. The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). The infections can develop rapidly and may lead to permanent disability, brain damage or death if not treated quickly.

Young people heading to university are considered to be at particularly high risk because the bacteria can spread through close contact. This includes things such as coughing, kissing and sharing drinks, with infections more likely where large numbers of students are living together in halls of residence.

Those eligible can book online if they are aged 17 or 18 and born between September 1 2007 and August 31 2008, provided they are registered with a GP in England. They can also receive the jab through participating pharmacies.

Students starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn can get the vaccine at participating pharmacies even if they are not registered with a GP. They will need to bring proof of their university or college offer. International students and those from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are also eligible.

The vaccine is given in two doses, with the second administered at least four weeks after the first. The NHS is encouraging people to receive their first dose as soon as possible to ensure they are fully protected before the autumn term begins.

People unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, where translation services are also available. The campaign is the first time the MenB vaccine has been offered routinely to this age group, with ministers introducing the temporary programme after a spate of fatal outbreaks raised fears of further cases when students return to campuses in the autumn.

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